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KUMJ | VOL. 14 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 55 | JULY-SEPT. 2016

Study of Depression among the Nursing Students in a University Medical College of NepalRisal A, Sanjel S, Sharma PP

Abstract: Background
Nursing students pass through many stressful situations during their academic
course. Depression is frequently observed in this student group.
Objective
To quantify and compare the level of depression among the students undertaking
undergraduate and graduate level nursing education in Kathmandu University School
of Medical Sciences, Nepal.
Method
A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was carried out among all the students
of Proficiency Certificate Level, Bachelor in Nursing Sciences and B.Sc. Nursing
in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, studying in different years
during the academic year (2013-14) using Beck Depression Inventory. Descriptive
statistics was used for computing scores of Beck Depression Inventory while Pearson
correlation was used for analysis of association.
Result
Among the total 227 students consenting for the study, 212 were amenable for
analysis. All of the participants were females, with mean age 20.10 (± 2.2). Almost
40% were found to be having depressive symptoms in variable degrees of severity
(Mild-27.4%, Moderate-9%, Severe-1.4%). Frequency of depression was higher
among the senior grade students. Agitation, fatigability and sadness were the items
having highest mean score; (0.82 ± 0.72), (0.76 ± 0.63), and (0.74 ± 0.52) respectively,
while weight loss and loss of libido had the least score, (0.10 ±0.33) and (0.19 ±0.55)
respectively. Item on suicidal ideation was significantly correlated with age (p=0.038)
and BDI score (<0.001).
Conclusion
Depression is common among the nursing students in Nepal; which may also be
related to the multitude of stressors they experience during their studentship.Keyword : Academic, depression, nursing students, occupation, stress, suicidal ideation